The Lagos State Government has urged youths to consider joining the Nigerian Army’s 89 Regular Recruits Intake, stating that “joining the army is not a death sentence.”
The call was made to dispel misconceptions about military service and to encourage young men and women to serve their state and nation with pride and integrity.
This appeal was made by the State Secretary to the Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during sensitization campaigns held across various local councils, including Igando-Ikotun, Ikeja, Surulere, and Ikorodu.
The campaign, which began four weeks ago, aligns with the Federal Government’s directive to states to support efforts aimed at strengthening the military’s capacity.
Salu-Hundeyin addressed a variety of groups, including youths, traditional rulers, community leaders, and parents, explaining the importance of correcting the widespread misconception that military service is synonymous with danger or death.
“This awareness campaign, backed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is about preparing our young men and women in Lagos to serve both the state and the nation with excellence, integrity, and pride,” she stated.
The SSG highlighted the declining interest among indigenous youths in joining the army and urged the community to reverse this trend.
She stressed the importance of Lagos youths filling their quotas in military recruitment, so they can aspire to and achieve top-ranking positions within the military.
Reaffirming the support from Governor Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin assured that the Lagos State Government would provide necessary welfare support to candidates from the state throughout the recruitment process, including registration, training, and beyond.
Participants in the recruitment campaign were informed that the recruitment exercise is open to indigenous youths with a minimum of four O’Level credits in one or two sittings.
At events in Surulere and Ikorodu, Salu-Hundeyin’s representative, Kehinde Gbajumo, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, further emphasized the importance of grassroots sensitization to increase local participation in the military recruitment process.
